Name: Best Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk, ((or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)); 3/4 cup flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon sriracha, (or to taste); 2 cups plain panko crumbs; 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 pound shrimp, (peeled, deveined, and tail removed); Salt and pepper, (to taste); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

Taste the best bang bang shrimp recipe perfectly spiced, seasoned, and covered with a crispy panko coating and a sweet and creamy mayo chili sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress.

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I have a great collection of easy and delicious shrimp or prawn recipes in this blog. Not only am I a big fan of seafood, I am particularly fond of eating shrimp! If you have purchased my cookbook Rice. Noodles. Yum. (Everyone’s Favorite Southeast Asian Dishes) then you’ll see that I added a good number of shrimp recipes there, too.

It’s because I love cooking shrimp! I do so because it cooks quickly and readily absorbs any flavors or seasoning you add. So when we tasted Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill, I knew I needed to try a homemade version for it! I especially loved the spicy kick from the dish and how it’s tempered by the sweet creamy sauce that accompanied it! What a perfect balance of flavors!

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer-type dish consisting of crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy sweet and spicy sauce. The shrimp are typically coated in a buttermilk batter, dredged in panko breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown and crispy. The sauce is made by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sometimes sriracha or other hot sauce for a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile.

The name “Bang Bang Shrimp” itself is said to be of Thai origin, referring to the sweet Thai chili sauce that is paired with the crispy fried shrimp. However, the dish itself was actually created by two chefs out of St. Petersburg, Florida for their restaurant, Bonefish Grill. So while the name “Bang Bang” comes from Thai cuisine, the specific dish of crispy shrimp with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce was invented in the United States by the Bonefish Grill restaurant chain. It has since become a popular appetizer at many restaurants.

That is what we tried to recreate in this delicious Bang Bang Shrimp copycat from Bone Fish Grill! Of course, you can adjust this dish to your taste preference, too. I love the creamy and sweet mayo-chili sauce as is but feel free to tweak it if you like. You can also lower or up the spice level of the shrimp if you like simply by adjusting the amount of sriracha used in the recipe.

So, if you are a fan of crispy, flavorful shrimp with a kick of heat then look no further than the best bang bang shrimp recipe! This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next party. With its irresistible combination of crispy panko coating, savory spices, and a sweet chili sauce, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a fan favorite among foodies and home cooks alike.

Why You Would Love This Recipe For Bang Bang Shrimp

You’ll love this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe because it delivers all the flavor of the popular Bonefish Grill appetizer in a simple homemade version that’s easy on your wallet. The shrimp have a deliciously crispy coating from being coated in buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs, while the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is incredibly addictive and brings the whole dish together. It’s also a versatile recipe that works great as an appetizer, main course, or even in tacos, salads, or over rice or pasta. Plus, it’s easy to adjust to your taste preferences, like how spicy you want it. With its irresistible flavors and crispy texture, this Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Ingredients for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp

1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 egg
1 tablespoon sriracha
2 cups plain panko crumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tail off
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sweet chili sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons rice vinegar

Instructions for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp

In a large bowl, mix together the panko, onion powder, garlic salt, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, and sriracha. Set aside.

Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Dip a shrimp into the buttermilk mixture, using a fork to remove any excess batter. Immediately place the shrimp into the panko mixture, ensuring it is well coated.

Place the coated shrimp into the hot skillet. Work in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Allow each shrimp to cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until both sides are crispy.

Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat the process until all the shrimp have been cooked.

For the sweet chili sauce, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined.

Once all the shrimp are cooked, you can either toss them in the sauce to coat, serve the sauce as a dipping sauce on the side, or pour it over the serving platter. The choice is yours!

FAQs about the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating them in the batter.

Can I use a different type of seafood?
While this recipe is specifically designed for shrimp, you can experiment with other types of seafood, such as scallops or white fish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sweet chili sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated shrimp on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Can I use a different type of breading?
While panko breadcrumbs are recommended for their light and crispy texture, you can experiment with other types of breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers or chips.

With its irresistible flavor and crispy texture, the best bang bang shrimp is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy this delicious dish as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for salads or tacos. Happy cooking!